Mumbai: In a bid to foster inclusivity at the workplace, Procter & Gamble (P&G) has now extended all its company offered benefits to partners of LGBTQ+ employees, the company announced on Tuesday. Effective 1 April, the company's medical and workplace benefits including medical support, emergency financial assistance, flex subsidy allowance, relocation benefits, among others will be extended to partners of LGBTQ+ employees.
The initiative builds on top of the company’s ‘Share the Care’ inclusive parental leave policy that was launched last year.
“At P&G, our goal is to create a fully inclusive workplace where our employees feel included and are able to bring their authentic selves to work every day,” said Procter & Gamble Indian sub-continent vice president and head – human resources PM Srinivas. “In line with that, we are proud to shape our company offered comprehensive benefits to a fully inclusive and equality-based program which extends to partners of LGBTQ+ employees. We will also continue to strengthen our awareness and training programs that sensitize our people on LGBTQ+ diversity. We hope that this will enable us to strengthen our company’s culture, inspire change and create a positive societal impact.”
Through this latest initiative, partners of LGBTQ+ employees will now be covered under the company's medical plan that provides hospitalisation coverage to employees and their dependents. The employees can also avail emergency financial assistance for their partners. The company provides an additional fixed allowance to its employees to meet their personal and family needs, which can now be availed by LGBTQ+ employees for their partners. The company will also extend financial support and transfer related assistance arising out of a company-initiated relocation to partners of LGBTQ+ employees, said the statement.
According to the company, P&G took a public stand for inclusion by adding sexual orientation to its non-discrimination policies back in 1992. The company has an internal affinity group, GABLE (Gay, Ally, Bisexual, Lesbian, and Transgender Employees) that is dedicated to fostering an inclusive and supportive network.
P&G India has also launched ‘Pride Podcasts’ wherein it invites leaders from within P&G globally and external advocates who are sharing their journey, educating, and addressing myths about LGBTQ+. In a first, in 2021 the company organised a virtual pride event titled ‘PrideON’ to educate and celebrate the progress made on LGBTQ+ equality and inclusion in the workplace, according to the company.
